Wing foil racing is wing foiling on a course: a set route, other riders, a ranking at the end. To race, you need a fast foil, the right mast, and a wing and board that meet the rules. At AFS, the race setup is the Pure Race 560 on the UHM 95 RACE mast. Here is the wing foil racing gear, piece by piece, and the rules you should know. For all our wing foil gear, from your first flight to racing, see our dedicated page.
What is wing foil racing?
You ride a marked course at the same time as the other riders. You go upwind, link tacks and jibes, then come back down fast. Formats vary by event. At the French Championship, for example, the French Sailing Federation (FFVoile) runs two disciplines: freestyle and race-slalom. There are also long-distance races, such as downwinders.
Racing is still a small part of the sport: most riders do freeride. For racing, the AFS team looks for two things first: speed and stability. Maneuverability and lift come second.
Which foil for wing foil racing?
The Pure Race 560 is the AFS race foil. Its specs:
| Part | Specs |
|---|---|
| Front wing | 560 cm² (about 87 in²), span 750 mm (29.5 in), aspect ratio 10 |
| Stabilizer | 139 cm² (about 21.5 in²), span 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Fuselage | 667 mm (26.3 in) |
| Plane weight | 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) |
| Construction | Kevlar and UHM carbon |
It is a one-piece foil: the fuselage, front wing and stabilizer are molded as a single part. So it always comes with its stabilizer, with no position to adjust.
It was validated at Weymouth Speed Week 2022, a speed event, going over 30 knots across 500 m (about 550 yd).
The Pure Race 560 is made in France, in our factory. Its cover and screws are included.
Aspect ratio measures how long and narrow a wing is. To see what it changes, read What is aspect ratio?
What rider weight is it for?
The Pure Race 560 comes in one size only: 560 cm². Not sure it fits your build? Ask one of our experts.
Which mast for wing foil racing?
The Pure Race 560 only fits the 95 cm UHM mast developed for it: the UHM 95 RACE mast. It is the mast the AFS team recommends for racing.
| UHM mast | Length | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 Freeride | 95 cm (37.4 in) | 14.0 mm (0.55 in) | 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) |
| 95 RACE | 95 cm (37.4 in) | 12.3 mm (0.48 in) | 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) |
The RACE version is thinner. It is made of UHM carbon with a Corecell core. Its plate is built into the mast and fits boards with a US double-rail track system.
A thin mast is faster, but it is not a good pick for your first sessions. To progress, an 85 to 90 cm (33 to 35 in) mast is still the right choice (see What size foil should I choose for wing foiling?). The 95 RACE is for riders who already master flying.
Good to know: a 95 cm mast, RACE or not, does not take a front wing with a span over 1.00 m (39.4 in). The Pure Race 560 (750 mm) is well within that. To compare our mast lengths and constructions, read How to choose the right AFS carbon mast.
Which wing for wing foil racing?
AFS does not make a race-specific wing. Above all, your wing has to meet the rules of your event. Under the French Sailing Federation rules, for example, it must have:
- an inflatable leading edge and at least one inflatable center strut;
- a shape symmetrical about the center line (10 cm, about 4 in, manufacturer tolerance);
- handles along the center strut, held directly in your hands;
- no connection to the board, and it must float.
Harness lines are allowed (source: FFVoile wingfoil equipment rules, in French).
For sizing, our article Which wing for which wind speed gives guidelines based on your weight and the wind. They are designed for recreational riding. You will find the full range on our wings page.
Which board for wing foil racing?
AFS does not make a race-specific board either. Under the FFVoile rules, the board is directional: it has a nose and a tail. You can use up to 4 footstraps, placed wherever you like.
The foil box type is open in those rules. But to take the UHM 95 RACE mast, your board needs a US double-rail track system.
All our boards are on the boards page.
What are the gear rules in competition?
Every event sets its own rules. Two examples:
GWA race class. The international circuit of the GWA (Global Wingsports Association) has its own race class. According to its equipment page, last updated in 2022, it only accepts production gear registered with the class, with a front wing of at least 700 cm² (about 108 in²). Helmets are mandatory. The Pure Race 560 (560 cm²) does not fit that framework. If you are aiming for this circuit, read the GWA race class equipment page and the notice of race before you buy.
French Championship (FFVoile rules).
- Youth (15 to 20), race-slalom: gear of your choice, limited to 2 wings, 2 front wings, 1 stabilizer, 1 fuselage, 1 mast and 1 board. You declare it when you confirm your entry.
- Open (15 and up), race-slalom: no limit on gear choice or number of pieces.
- Wing leash: mandatory, at least 4 mm (0.16 in) in diameter. Whether a board leash is required depends on the organizer and the course.
Either way, check the rules of your event: they can change from one season to the next.
The race setup recommended by AFS
- Foil: Pure Race 560, plane only.
- Mast: UHM 95 RACE.
The Pure Race 560 also comes as a complete foil (mast + plane + stabilizer).
The foil and the mast come with a 2-year warranty. You have 14 days to return a product, and return shipping is at your expense.
Looking for used race gear? Check out the AFS marketplace.
How to work your way up to racing
Before your first race, work on three skills:
- going upwind without losing speed: How do you wing foil upwind?;
- jibing while staying on the foil: How to do a wing foil jibe;
- getting going again in the lulls: How to pump in wing foiling.
The faster you go, the harder a fall can be. Wear a helmet and read our advice: Wing foil hazards and how to avoid accidents.
To see all the gear again, from beginner to expert, go back to our wing foil page.
Wing foil racing FAQ
What is wing foil racing?
It is wing foiling on a marked course against other riders, with a ranking. Formats include course or slalom racing and long-distance races such as downwinders.
How fast can you go in wing foil racing?
Speed depends on the rider, the gear and the wind. As a benchmark, the Pure Race 560 went over 30 knots across 500 m at Weymouth Speed Week 2022.
What foil do you need for wing foil racing?
At AFS, it is the Pure Race 560: a 560 cm² (about 87 in²) front wing, aspect ratio 10, one-piece construction, mounted on the UHM 95 RACE mast. Check your event rules first: the GWA race class requires a front wing of at least 700 cm².
What mast length is best for racing?
The Pure Race 560 requires the UHM 95 RACE mast: 95 cm (37.4 in) long and 12.3 mm thick. To progress before racing, an 85 to 90 cm (33 to 35 in) mast is a better fit.
Can you race with a regular freeride wing?
Yes, as long as it meets the event rules. Under the FFVoile rules, for example: inflatable leading edge and center strut, symmetrical shape, handles held in your hands. The GWA race class only accepts registered production gear.
Do you need a helmet for wing foil racing?
The GWA race class makes it mandatory. Whatever the rules, we recommend wearing one: falls at race speed can hurt.
Is the Pure Race 560 good for beginners?
No. It is built for speed and mounts on a thin 95 cm mast. To get started, read What equipment do you need to start wing foiling?